Amateur Radio Control System for the Kenwood TS-2000 by WB5KIA

NEW ARCS II 1.23 New is a digital frequency display and control, a SubRadio "S" meter, a bug fix for users who have PC's that use a comma (,) as a decimal separator and other minor improvements based on users suggestions. Other recent features include import/export of 2k0 files, a second COM port switch for the acc2 socket using RTS (handy for remote operation), a grayline module called Terminator, DX Google Maps, TravelPlus and CSV file frequency list import into the radio, a Repeater panel and speed enhancements throughout the program.

The software uses some of the Vista operating system features. I appreciate comments and reports.

ARCS II is a free CAT program using the advanced features of the TS-2000 to do things the commercial ARCP-2000 software can not. The software is designed for Windows 95 and above. Some features only work in Windows 98 and above. Most of ARCS's features work with LINUX if used in conjunction with the WINE Windows simulator.

ARCS II main panel with large digital readout selected (move it anywhere you want) shown on an Xp PC.

A simple logger, the full featured DXWeb access to Internet DXClusters (see image below), 'custom' DSP Equalizer filters, CW Keyboard, Voice Keyer/Recorder and PSK are included. FSK is available.

ARCS has features for the visually impaired. Keyboard short-cuts and vocalized drop down menus are provided for many functions. Microsoft artificial speech announcements are available for PCs where the SAPI 5.0 has been installed and vocal commands can be used if SAPI 5.1 is installed. Windows Xp has the SAPI 5.0 and some versions of Windows 98 and later may also have it. VISTA has SAPI 5.3 and should work fine.

A separate module for PSK communications is included in the 1.23 install. ARCS PSK only works properly in conjunction with ARCS.

A separate Beta module for FSK communications is available for the 1.23 install. ARCS FSK only works properly in conjunction with ARCS. ARCS FSK is available as a separate download. The module is in the early stages of developement. Presently only FSK TX/RX functions are supported. This software is designed primarily for FSK with the TS-2000 but will probably also support AFSK when finalized (see below).

The license for ARCS II 1.0 is FREE. The installation file will install ARCS II to the directory of your choice. A free registration entitles you to some additional features including Command and Control, Satellite functions, and capturing radio settings. Most of the program's features are usable without registering. See the "Why register?" comments below.

User Input

The most frequently requested ARCS future feature is to make the ARCS main screen fill the entire screen. Sorry, it will not happen. The screen is designed to work with several helper programs. Making the program fill the entire screen will not make any of the controls or type face larger. To do that I need to completely re-engineer the entire interface.

A large number of user ideas are incorporated into ARCS and its satellite modules. When making a request for a new feature, please tell me why you think the feature would be worthwhile. Please keep the ideas coming.

Other Amateur Radio Software

Go to Amateur Radio Software by WB5KIA Main Page

Download ARCS II from the section below.

THIS IS NEW 10 May 2008

Amateur Radio Control System II for the Kenwood TS-2000 -- ARCS II Version Version 1.23

Copyright © 2005-2008 Stephen J. Gradijan, WB5KIA

Cost: License for ARCS II 1.0 is free. It does not require a registration password but may be registered to use some of the optional features.

ARCS II is a CAT program that controls most of the features of the TS-2000. The latest version (v. 1.23) includes: SubRadio "S"-meter, digital frequency readout/input, 2k0 import/export, Terminator, DX Google Maps, a Repeater panel, import of CSV and TravelPlus frequency lists and more. An audio recorder/playback with a Voice Keyer (the voice keyer can be dragged anywhere on the screen). The separate FSK module now has TX capability on FSK (see bottom of this page). There is a DTMF Pad. Double-clicking DXWeb listings now post the DX frequency to the TS-2000 on to the active VFO (instead of just VFO A).

Versions in the past few months provided a facelift for Windows Xp users, CW Keyboard enhancements, and a bug fix in the memory spreadsheet, enhancements to the Capture and Satellite modules, an improved start screen and improvements thoughout the software in response to user comments, a SKY COMMAND management panel (Beta), an environmental panel and a small facial uplift of some screens, enhanced SWR alarm, main screen ALC/SWR/COM meter, improved Turbo, and performance enhancements throughout the program. The software also includes DXWeb (access to Internet DXCluster spots via DXSpider), provisions for PSK (Beta); Command and Control - the ability to control your radio using voice commands; adjustments to the USER Equalizer; and numerous other subtle improvements.

The PSK program is linked to ARCS II and ARCS PSK must be running for all the features of ARCS PSK to work.

DXWeb is accessed using the ARCS II Accessories toolbar Menu.

Download ARCS II 1.0 here download Version 1.23 (3.2 Mb install file is called arcssetup122.exe). The software is stable on my Xp system but may have problems on Windows versions lower than Xp and on Vista. It may not run on Win95 but it might. Reports of success and failure (no failures so far) using this version on other operating systems are appreciated. not a link - you need to type it.

Before you use ARCS II for the first time-

1. Connect your TS-2000 and PC with a short serial connecting cable (NOT a null modem).
2. Turn your radio on.
3. Turn MENU item 56 on the TS-2000 to 57600 bps.
4. Turn your radio off. This should ensure the correct communication speed is set on the radio. Turning the radio off is important.
5. Wait a few seconds, then turn the radio back on.
6. Load ARCS II
7. Do not use the START button yet!
8. From the start screen, set the COM port and speed from the Preferences MENU. Baud must agree with the radio and should be 57600. The Preferences toolbar MENU (Preferences>Serial Port / Baud) is used to set the COM port. SAVE to make the changes or EXIT to retain the existing choices.
7. Run ARCS II as described in the right hand panel of the ARCS II start-up screen.

Be aware: ARCS II is not usable with RigBlaster if RigBlaster's RTS is hooked up. ARCS uses this line and can not share it with another program. Some of the latest USB all-in-one adapters for use with PSK etc. may not work either. Not having any of these devices, I don't know. What I have works great using a normal COM serial port or my two USB/Serial adapters. There are just about 1000 "registered" users.

New Features:

DX Google Maps - an Internet connection is required.

Version 1.19 introduced TS-2000 users to DX Google Maps. Version 1.23 includes digital frequency input, Terminator, a grayline tool and an extra COM port control. The software has a Repeater panel and a tool to import frequency lists (lists as provided in TravelPlus, in CSV format or using tab delimited files). Tab delimited or CSV repeater frequency lists are available from several sources. The file handling is flexible and can import lots of different files). ARCS has an enhanced Audio Spectrogram, main panel control of the SubRadio (provided the SubRadio is set as the Control radio ) and other small improvements throughout the program. It was compiled using Delphi Professional 2007.

A Subradio "S"meter is now on the main form.

A digital frequency entry system requested by several users is available for users.

An 2k0 memory file import/export is included. This tool to import the files generated by Kenwood's free memory management tool appears stable on my system. I have had no reports of problems in the month it has been available. However, I recommend you back up your existing 2k0 files before using this tool. There is no help file included with this module. If I continue to get satisfactory reports, the tool will become a permanent feature of ARCS II. Get to it in the TOOLS Menu.

Terminator is an experimental grayline module to the software..click on the world map.

I do not have a Vista PC to try out the code. Based on users reports, ARCS II apparently works fine running on VISTA.

Important - VISTA users: Vista's security features require that ARCS II be installed in a directory other than the Program Files directory unless one is logged in as administrator. Vista users can select a directory while running the ARCS II setup program. Read the comments that are part of the install program process for more information. For instance, install in C:\arcs123\ or something similar rather than in the "Program Files Directory" on the C drive (which is the default and what is recommended for Windows Xp and lower).

Important - Previous ARCS II users: The installer will/can install the latest version over your existing version of ARCS II. However, the install overwrites the following files: arcsreg.cfg, ARCS.cfg, memorylist1.cfg, and ARC2.cfg. If you do not want to reconfigure ARCS, re-enter your registration number or lose your 149 radio memories stored in a file, copy these files to a safe folder and then write them to the new ARCS II folder, replacing the default files loaded by the installer. It is especially important to change memorylist1.cfg . This file contains the 149 external frequencies used by the ARCS Memory bank (the information contained in the right spreadsheet in the figure below). The arcsreg.cfg file contains your registration number.

The installation file will install ARCS II to the directory of your choice. The install creates a link in the Windows START MENU. If you want a Desktop Icon Shortcut, check the appropriate box during the install process. Please read the install messages that are part of the install process before you run the software. Significant changes etc. are identified.

Downloading Problems?:

The qsl.net server is frequently slow and occasionally disappears for several days, once a month. I understand this is frustrating. If the download shown above on this page does not work, try this alternative site: http://mysite.verizon.net/amateur_radio/ (presently only version 1.15 is available at this site. I hope to have a more recent version available there ).

Qsl.net has been a nice home. They do a remarkable job running on donations. They upgraded their server early 2007. I hope the great site will be more stable.

"TS-2000 CAT Software" Compared. No software will do everything. Everyone has their favorate programs based on their operating preferences. All of this stuff works.

Regarding single cable/PTT: RigBlaster can apparently be used with several of these programs to provide this feature using the RTS line. ARCS II is not usable with RigBlaster if its RTS is hooked up since ARCS uses this line and can not share it with another program.

If anything is not correct in this table, please let me know and I will revise it. Thank you.

* Command radio with voice commands
** Monitor transmit and received audio quality on a 'scope'
++ Uses the internal cw keyer so there is no hesitation with Win Xp systems. No need for Winkey etc.

ARCS II does not use a separate port for CW. Only the cable to the radio is needed.

It includes a small TNC controller terminal program.

Soundcard programs that can be used with the TS-2000 and any PC using a hardware interface for audio with the headphone jack or acc2 sockets (some have features that use COM ports) include:
Hamscope: PSK, CW, RTTY etc. * http://www.qsl.net/hamscope/
AGW: soundcard TNC * and ** http://www.elcom.gr/sv2agw/agwpe.htm
Winwarbler: PSK * http://www.dxlabsuite.com/winwarbler/
UI-VIEW: APRS program
MMTTY: RTTY - AFSK/FSK * http://mmhamsoft.amateur-radio.ca/
VARITTY: PSK and RTTY * http://mmhamsoft.amateur-radio.ca/
Spectram: Audio Spectrogram *
CW Get/ CW type : rX CW, send CW * /** respectively
CW Decoder : Send/RX CW :requires COM interface.
and lots more. Everyone has their favorites.


*Freeware
**Shareware

ARCS DXWeb provides Web based DXCluster information from dozens of Web sites - select the site that is best for you.

The Command and Control feature works only on registered versions of the program. Registration is free and described in the About menu on the software and below. You MUST have the Microsoft SAPI 5.1 installed on your PC to use the C&C feature. To find out if your PC already has the SAPI 5.1, go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. If you have a Speech icon on the Control Panel and clicking on it indicates Microsoft English Recognizer v5.1 or v5.0, you have SAPI 5 . If you do not have SAPI 5.1 and you have a fast Internet connect, see the Help file to find out how to install all the SAPI features on your Xp or Windows 98 or later version of Windows. Note that some versions of Xp might not support the voice recognition; in that case you will NEED to install SAPI 5.1 described in the ARCS II Help.

Registered Users

Why register? The software license is free and you can use almost all the features without registering. I get no compensation other than the knowledge some operators feel the program is useful. If ARCS has lots of users, I have an incentive to improve the program. The "reward" to registered users are a few additional, hopefully useful features. If you want to register ARCS II; send an e-mail with the words "ARCS II" in the subject line and your callsign in the message text to the following e-mail address: ---this is not a link, you need to type the e-mail address. You will receive a registration key and instructions for using it to enable additional program features. I do not make mail lists or send out emails. There is no charge for registration. What are you waiting for?

ARCS II registered users may use Command and Control to provide voice control of over 27 basic functions of the TS-2000. You can talk to your radio and it responds (Microsoft SAPI 5.1 or higher is necessary to use the voice commands.)

Registered users can experiment with the satellite functions of the radio or capture a few current radio settings to the ARCS memory database. These features are in development, read the HELP file before you try to work with it - The operation of these tools is not intuitive. If something does not work or could work better please let me know. The satellite operating features include the ability to change the satellite frequencies from the PC.

Registration is FREE. I do not send unwanted e-mails or sell e-mail addresses . Registration allows you to unlock several features in the program and tells me people are interested in the software.

ARCS II works VERY well with my TS-2000. I have used it with four different PCs (including a laptop), two different TS-2000s, an USB to serial interface( though a regular serial COM port is faster) and several soundcards. It works with Pentium, Celeron, Athlon chips and even with my Compaq laptop. I have used it on Windows 95 and Xp. It reportedly run wells on Linux PCs when it is used with the WINE simulator. I hope it works with your equipment but if it does not, please let me know. Some USB/serial adapters do not work with it but plenty of them work just fine.

New features were added to the latest version of ARCS II. As I add features, it is possible they might interfere with existing features. If Version 1.23 does not respond as expected, PLEASE send me error reports and comments. I fix stuff as I become aware that it is a problem but can only do that if users let me know there is a problem.

--- 73, Steve, WB5KIA

Requirements

ARCS and VISTA: AE5AU reports he is "running Vista and found that I had to run the application as administrator for it to register. Without, it wasn't even creating the registration file in the ARCS folder. Right-click Run As Administrator and it worked no problem."

I just aquired the latest compiler. It will allow me to use the Vista glassing and other things but I do not have a copy of Vista to try it on yet. I can change ARCS's code so that users won't have to run it as administrator. You must run ARCS as administrator if you install it into the default folder using the ARCS Installer (which is Program Files). This is the practice on Win Xp etc. but causes VISTA users to run ARCS as administrator. VISTA users can avoid this problem by using the option in the install program to load ARCS in a folder other than Program Files. Load (reload) the program and put it in a different folder than the default install folder (try C:\arcs123\ or something similar). ARCS II will run fine on VISTA but if there are problems, please let me know since I can't test this on my Xp box.

Be aware: ARCS II is not usable with RigBlaster if its RTS is hooked up. ARCS uses this line and can not share it with another program.

You need a serial cable to connect the PC and TS-2000. Make sure the cable is a straight serial cable and NOT one used to interface two PCs (null modem). Several connections are crossed in a null modem cable and, as expected, null modem cables will not work. The Help in the program has a detailed explaination of this. If your PC does not have a COM port (many new laptops do not), you will need a USB/Serial adaptor described in the "Cables 101" Help file.

An audio cable is needed to use the audio spectrogram tool to monitor xmit/rcvd audio (the set-up you might use with PSK should be fine.) Use isolation transformers if this is a homebrew interface to protect your expensive equipment. The audio cable is not essential, over 95% of the program's features can be accessed without the soundcard audio connection. The minimal hardware you need to use PSK and monitor audio is also explained in the Help that comes with the software.

Antivirus programs like Norton Anti-Virus and McAfee and antiSpy programs like Spysweeper are VERY CPU intensive. If you have an occasional problem with ARCS II, it might be caused by one of these programs. Spysweeper checks the system every 20 seconds and uses almost all my CPU capacity and lots of memory. It does not crash my system but it might crash systems on older PCs or systems with less than 512 Mb memory. You may want to consider disabling Spysweeper or your virus program while ARCS is running. Of course, if you are on the Internet too, you should keep Norton etc. on at the expense of poorer performance.

Some Features:

• AMATEUR RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM controls almost all the functions of the Kenwood TS-2000 using your PC
• Also works with Linux by using the WINE Windows simulator. A few features will not work.
• Audible Frequency Readout - ARCS has the capability of providing an audio readout of the main receiver frequency.
• Real-time Audio Spectrum Display of received AND transmitted audio. Some soundcards and PCs with on mainboard sound do not provide sufficient drive to the PC microphone input to use this feature. Soundblaster cards work fine.
• Simple Band Activity Scan.
• U.S. Callbook available via Internet TCIP (courtesy wm7d.net) is accessed using the ARCS DXWeb accessory.
• Internet DXClusters accessible via Internet TCIP (DXWeb). This feature works like the built-in P.C.T. function in the TS-2000 but over the Internet...click on a DX spot and go to the indicated frequency on the TS-2000 VFO A. Filter spots etc.
• Modification of internal memory directly from ARCS (Kenwood's free menu program is not needed).
• External frequency Memory Bank is easier to use than either Kenwood's internal memory program or the built in ARCS feature. There is room for 149 presets.
• A simple Memory Scan is available to the External Memories. Any number of consecutive memories can be scanned. Spin edit buttons control the start and finish memory. Another spin edit button controls the time (in seconds or minutes) the scan will loiter at each memorized frequency. Memory channels with blank frequency data are partially ignored. Inclusion of a blank frequency in the scanned list results in a repetition of the penultimate non-blank frequency in the list.
• Enhanced DXCluster information from local packet node. More spots and semi-automatic DXCC entity identification. Post spots to a local DXnode using the simple TNC controller and directly to the Internet using the DXWeb accessory.
• Morse Keyboard and nine programmable keyer memories in addition to the TS-2000's internal keyer memories. Automatic sending of serial number for contests.

  • Memory Keyer Settings

• Easy keyboard entry of frequency information for VFOs A & B and the Sub Radio
• Convenient adjustment of level controls that are difficult or counter intuitive using the manual radio controls.
• Visual review of internal Memory Bank 0, 1 and 2 settings
• Visual review of MENU settings. Most MENU settings are adjustable within the program.
• Adjustable communication ports and speeds are remembered for future operating sessions.
• More keyboard 'shortcuts'.
• Simple Packet Controller using built-in TNC.
  • Internal TNC controller
• Log contacts using ARCS Log and get logging capability, CW memory keyer AND a CW keyboard using a single serial cable to the TS-2000. Only a single COM port is needed on the PC.
• PSK with ARCS PSK - a two channel PSK interface designed especially with the TS-2000 in mind (see below). PTT using the TS-2000s ACC2 line requires a second COM port.
• SKY COMMAND management panel.
• Environment management panel.
• Satellite memory management (the 10 channels to store you settings for working Amateur Radio satellites).
• Voice Keyer / Recorder.
• FSK with ARCS FSK.
• DTMF Pad.
• ARCS can be controlled remotely (see the program's help file).
• Import of CSV and TravelPlus and other frequency list data.
• A Repeater Panel.
• DX Google Maps - access GoogleMaps and go right to the DX
• Terminator - my version of a grayline program, this is experimental and may not work in your situation, if it does not, please send me a note.

Known Limitations:

• The Audio Spectrum portion of the program tends to crash the computer on some PCs. The affected PCs appear to be those running at less than 1 Gb and with less than 256 Mb of memory and/or lacking real soundcards or video cards (video and sound on the main board). On the other hand, users with faster computers have no problem using it! This appears to be limited by the FFT algorithm I used that is coded in Object Pascal...evidently the FFT is fast but not quite as fast as a routine coded in C++, consequently, Audio Spectrum response can not be easily fixed.
• The MENU A and B displays almost always refresh at program load. If you need to refresh them, just use the appropriate buttons near the display to restore the MENU summaries.
• Some Win 98se users report problems that do not affect Win95-WinXp.
• Versions of RigBlaster that use the serial RTS line to key PTT will not work properly with ARCS. Users may be able to disable this keying but will have to use the option in ARCS to use a second COM port for PTT if keying of the radio's ACC2 socket is required.

THIS IS NEW 22 April 2007

ARCS PSK 1.0 [this version is included with the ARCS II version 1.23 download above.]

PTT is available on a second COM port, otherwise VOX works great. You must be careful to select the correct port when using the configuration in ARCS PSK for PTT. The program does NOT check for ports in use. If you pick the same port that is being used for ARCS II, that situation could cause a program crash.

ARCS PSK is a two channel PSK program designed to make the most of the capabilities of the TS-2000, especially the sharp filters.

A second COM port is required to key the PTT line. A second COM port is not needed if you use VOX to control transmit and receive. VOX is NOT supported on the TS-2000 ACC2 connector lines. In order for the TS-2000 to accept audio via ACC2, the PTT must be engaged via the ACC2. Keying the rig using the PTT "buttons" on ARCS does not allow audio to pass through the ACC2. A second comport (or USB/Serial converter) is required for PTT.

ARCS PSK starts from ARCS II. The PSK HELP file is accessed from ARCS II (along with the help files for other program modules).

ARCS PSK panel

THIS IS NEW 29 April 2007

ARCS FSK 0.91 BETA [this version is usable with the ARCS II version 1.23 download above but may not work properly with VISTA.]

Download ARCS FSK 0.91 here download Version 0.91 (0.6 Mb zipped file is called arcsFSK.zip). If the download does not work, it means the beta has been temporarily withdrawn to fix things. ARCS FSK might not work with VISTA.

Thanks for testing this Beta version. Be aware that version 0.91 is the latest version and the software is not included with ARCS II . You will also need to download MMTTY and place the MMTTY.EXE file in the arcsFSK folder to get ARCS FSK to work (see the ReadMeFirst file included in the download). MMTTY reportedly has issues with Windows Vista, consequently ARCS FSK may have similar issues.

Please report any problems using the program to transmit.

ARCS FSK is a FSK program designed to make the most of the built-in FSK capabilities of the TS-2000. It is based on the MMTTY engine. ARCS FSK has its own screen and features.

Why FSK?

• FSK modulation may be more stable than AFSK
• The TS-2000 shows the correct mark frequency on the front panel.
• The TS-2000's RTTY filters only operate in FSK mode, not in SSB mode.
• There is no audio drive to set. The FSK modulator in the transceiver works the same way on every band, and power out is always the same.
• The TS-2000 FSK transmit frequency does not track ARCS II's AFC, which varies the mark frequency. The transmit mark frequency stays where it is set, despite variation in the receive mark frequency.
• The TS-2000's frequency does not change when using FSK. Tune in the signal to be received with the AFC off, just as you would using hardware-based RTTY. This puts your mark on the other station's mark.
• Once your transmit frequency is set, you have an option as to whether or not to use AFC for reception. Your mark signal stays where it was when you began the QSO. From the standpoint of ARCS II (and MMTTY), FSK is only a method of transmission. ARCS II/ MMTTY always receives the same way--by decoding audio from the transceiver.

Only reception is supported at present for AFSK. Some users may be able to get the software to transmit with their version of Windows on FSK. I do not supply support presently. There is a minimal Help file (in the main ARCS program).

ARCS FSK starts from ARCS II. The FSK HELP file is accessed from ARCS II (along with the help files for other program modules).

page updated 10 May 2008